The redbud, native to Texas, provides year-round interest with blooms, leaves, and seed pods. Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle This part of Texas tends to be spoiled with blossoms year-round.

Redbuds produce clusters of seed pods in late summer that can persist on the tree. Plant Medic columnist Ricky Kemery recommends removing them before they fall to help prevent seedlings ...

Eastern redbud trees grow wider than they are tall, so they need plenty of room to spread. Andrew does offer one other caution: “They do produce seed pods, if messes are a concern.” ...

The redbud’s Latin name, Cercis, is equally pedestrian: it is taken from the Greek kerkis which means “a weaver’s shuttle” and refers to the shape of the tree’s seed pods.

Each of the 2-4 inch long pods contain 4-12 flat, elliptical brown to black kidney-shaped seeds. There are many cultivars available, just double check cold hardiness.

My landscaper is recommending a redbud tree in the planter attached to my pool. I asked him if that’s a good tree to plant so close to the pool.